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Open-label Randomised Trial Of Tolvaptan Versus Fluid Restriction In Hospitalised Patients With Moderate-severe Hyponatraemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$132,743.00
Summary
Low blood sodium level, known as hyponatraemia, is the most common electrolyte problem. It occurs in 15% of hospital patients, and can cause confusion, seizure and fatal brain swelling. Standard treatment for hyponatraemia is limiting oral fluid, but this is slow and not always effective. The drug tolvaptan works in mild hyponatraemia, but hasn't been formally tested in severe cases. We will compare benefits and risks of tolvaptan versus fluid restriction in patients with severe hyponatremia.
Hypothalamic Regulation Of Appetite And Energy Homeostasis In Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$39,987.00
Summary
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disease affecting 1/~15 000 people. It causes insatiable appetite and often morbid obesity, as well as other developmental problems. It is thought that there is a defect in the way that the brain regulates eating behaviour in PWS, but the exact mechanism is still unknown. This study proposes to explore metabolic and genetic factors contributing to the appetite disorder in PWS. It will also explore new ways of treating excessive appetite.
Identification And Characterisation Of Sensory Receptors In The Human Rectum
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$69,500.00
Summary
Normal rectal function (with respect to storage and evacuation of faeces) is highly dependent on intact rectal sensation. Identification and characterisation of biomarkers of rectal sensation in health would allow more accurate diagnosis and a better understanding of prevalent bowel disorders, such as constipation and faecal incontinence. It would also give opportunity to identify potential novel therapeutic targets, and accurately assess the efficacy of existing and new treatment strategies.
Pathophysiological Decision-making In Children With Obsessive-compulsive Disorder And Tic Disorders: Action-selection And Imaging Correlates
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
Why is it that a person with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has trouble deciding whether or not to wash their hands? We scanned the brains of teenagers with OCD while they made decisions and found that they had difficulty using cues in their environment to direct choices. This may be an early vulnerability for the development of the disorder that could guide prevention. We plan to check if that difficulty is present in younger children with OCD and their family members.
Investigating Mechanisms Of Action Of Sacral Nerve Neuromodulation In Faecal Incontinence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$81,181.00
Summary
Faecal incontinence (accidental bowel leakage) is a common problem in the Australian community with devastating impacts on quality of life and psychological well-being. Treatment of this condition remains a challenge due to limited scientific knowledge. Sacral nerve modulation (electrostimulation of nerves in the lower back) is an exciting new treatment but we don’t understand how it works. This project aims to improve our understanding of how nerve stimulation improves symptoms.
Personality disorders are serious psychiatric disorders. Despite this, the prevalence of these disorders in the Australian community is largely unknown, as is their influence on physical and other mental health conditions and impact on Australia’s medical and mental health care services. This epidemiological study will answer these questions, with the aim of informing public health planning and service delivery practices and prompting future health economic research in this area.
The Adaptive Immune Response To Epstein-Barr Virus.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,314.00
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the causative agent of glandular fever, is carried by a large proportion of adults worldwide. EBV is known to cause many cancers including Burkitt's lymphoma and has been linked to autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. The aim of this project is to find new fragments of EBV that the body's immune system can recognise and use to protect itself against the virus. Once found these pieces will form parts of the puzzle that will one day combine as a vaccine against ....Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the causative agent of glandular fever, is carried by a large proportion of adults worldwide. EBV is known to cause many cancers including Burkitt's lymphoma and has been linked to autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. The aim of this project is to find new fragments of EBV that the body's immune system can recognise and use to protect itself against the virus. Once found these pieces will form parts of the puzzle that will one day combine as a vaccine against EBV.Read moreRead less
Questions Of Autonomy And Patient Protection In Respect Of Refusals Of Medical Treatment.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$78,492.00
Summary
The aim of the research is to critically evaluate: 1) the right to autonomy in health care, and the parameters of countervailing ethical considerations including the need to protect vulnerable people; and 2) the current legal framework through which these competing ethical considerations above are balanced, including the law of consent to medical treatment and mental health schemes providing for involuntary treatment of patients.
Exploring The Meaning And Experience Of Cardiovascular Health Of People Who Live With Severe And Persistent Mental Illness.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$89,114.00
Summary
People with serious mental illness die up to 25 years before their peers, mostly from cardiovascular disease. Despite extensive research, we have made little impact on addressing this health inequity. By exploring the experience and meaning of personal cardiovascular health to people with severe mental illness, this study aims to generate new knowledge that will inform the tailoring of cardiovascular health promotion interventions that meet the unique requirements of this vulnerable population.
Development Of Novel Biomarkers For Closed Loop Deep Brain Stimulation In The Management Of Parkinson’s Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$124,676.00
Summary
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is established therapy in advanced Parkinson’s disease, when medications are less efficient. We aim to identify biomarkers that correlate with symptom state, allowing tailoring of DBS to individual patient’s needs. This will potentially improve symptom control, device efficiency and quality of life, increasing the pool of patients suitable for DBS. Novel DBS systems will build technical expertise and expand Australia’s role in the medical device industry.